I was working on this post entry for my blog, “A Couple of Things…” when Ventura was hit by the Thomas Fire. Little did we know that horrific night that this fire would take over 400 homes in our town alone, continue up the coast to Santa Barbara and end up being the largest fire in California history.  As I write this on New Year’s day, the fire is about 92% contained.

For two weeks we were in a thick haze, literally.  The smoke was so harsh and thick, and toxic that everyone in town wore safety masks.  People were keeping indoors as much as possible and sealing up their homes to try to avoid contact from all the ash, especially those first few days.  Smoke and ash from forest fires are different from smoke and ash from homes that have burn. Houses contain asbestos, aluminum, copper, and all kinds of ugly toxic materials. The City was giving out boxes of masks for free.  I wore a mask outdoors at all times as the air did not clear until Sunday, December 17.

It’s been a privilege to work for the City and to work in the EOC (Emergency Operation Center) and help out with the Community Meetings to keep Venturans informed. I know so many people were trying to figure out how to help.  As a civil servant, I had more opportunities to do so.

Just about four weeks later, there are so many lessons learned. Lessons for citizens, lessons for the City, and continued lessons for first responders. I personally know fifteen people who lost their home during what should be the most joyous time of the year including one of my best friends Eve. She honestly thought they’d be back in their home that next morning.  They still don’t know if they’ll rebuild.

I took myself off social media for several weeks as the images and sad stories became overwhelming. That along with working at City Hall with these industrial strength, incredibly LOUD air purifiers blowing 24/7 for over four weeks, trying to help frustrated citizens, and then walking out everyday to a view that made my heart fall, every single day. (I took center photo, the two others are from social media).

I’m so grateful to our firefighters for protecting so many properties and lives.  Yes there was an incredible amount of destruction, but it could have been so much worse. And to see our community bond and rally and help one another made me proud.

This image still makes me smile.  Yeah, I may know who placed the mask on the Father Serra statue out in front of City Hall…but I’ll never tell.  (photo credit: Sheldon Brown)

And now to lighter fare:

It was the perfect way to end 2017.  We met for early evening cocktails which evolved into a three hour dinner at Lure…where the service was superior, the food delicious and the libations spot on. The conversations were witty, inspiring, and soul soothing.  It’s so important to surround oneself with people who uplift and empower others.

I spent Christmas in Portland this year with my favorite girl in the whole wide world, Sydney Rose.  I was only there for four days, but we made the most of it, spending much needed time out of Ventura, and as if on cue, it magically began to snow on Christmas Eve.  It was perfect!

They call it “The Social Event of the Year” with family and friends strolling downtown Main Street, live music, snow fall, crafts and food booths, and a Wine Walk for those who enjoy the fermented juice of grapes. It seems to me that the more you partake the less you care about that initial, sometimes sour sensation on the palate.
Here we are hanging with Mr. and Mrs. Claus; Susie and Loree are attempting to get Mrs. Claus drunk.

Two days later, the Thomas Fire would upend our City.  It started in Santa Paula as our City Council was in the council chambers for their weekly meeting in Ventura They were notified of the fire as the winds were about the worst they’ve been in a long time. The entire area was  under red flag alert. Their fears were quickly realized as the fire progressed and hit our City within a short time.  The meeting was adjourned as council members raced to protect their homes.

I would like to move that we remove the expression “Things happen for a reason” when referring to tragic events. Screw that. “Shit happens” and that’s that. Confront and handle and come up with “lessons learned” to help prevent “Shit” from occurring again.

I am not agnostic. I believe in a higher power, but I also believe in the strength and bond of a community and helping one another through the worst of times. #VenturaStrong

I am so looking forward to 2018 and putting this year behind me.

I wish you a safe, prosperous and harmonious New Year.

Thanks for listening!